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Program Overview

SHRM Essentials of Human Resources

SHRM Essentials of Human Resources Certificate

Human resource issues impact every company in some way. That's why it's important to understand the fundamental issues surrounding HR today. Offered in partnership with the Society of Human Resource Management, the SHRM 201-0 Essentials of Human Resources course provides a solid overview of the key aspects of HR and provide tools you can immediately put to use in your organization.


A strong foundation of HR knowledge and competencies can make you a better manager, improve workplace morale and employee performance, and protect your organization from needless litigation. This course addresses the complex, real-world, and legal issues you face and is a must for anyone in the business of managing people.

Spring 2020 Registration closes:
SHRM 201-0 SHRM Essentials of HR Management April 10, 2020

About Essentials of Human Resources

Program Audience Essentials of Human Resources

Designed as a thorough introduction to HR basics, the SHRM Essentials of Human Resources course provides a solid foundation in human resource management and is effective training across multiple job responsibilities and career paths, including:

  • New and junior HR professionals who need to increase their knowledge base.
  • Small business owners or office managers who perform the HR function for their company and business managers who want to learn basic HR best practices to avoid costly litigation.
  • New or experienced managers interested in learning more about employee management skills.
  • Representatives selling or supporting HR systems and services.
  • International HR personnel wishing to increase their knowledge of U.S. HR practices.
  • Job seekers who are investigating HR as a new career option or want to enhance their resume with HR skills.

The SHRM Essentials of HR Management course is approved for Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP credentials and recertification credit hours for HR Certification Institute credentials.

We also offer the SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP Certification Prep course. Not sure which SHRM course is right for you? Compare programs and find out more.

Program Courses Essentials of Human Resources

Explore all the Essentials of Human Resources Program Courses for detail on the program's offerings.

Course Content Essentials of Human Resources

Certificate Requirements Essentials of Human Resources

To earn a "SHRM Essentials of HR Management" certificate from Northwestern University, students are only required to successfully complete the Essentials of HR Management core course (SHRM 201-0).

The SHRM Certified Professional core course (SHRM 301-0) is a separate program and is NOT required for this certificate.

Tuition and Financial Aid for Essentials of Human Resources

The tuition for the course is $695. Complete details can be found on the Tuition and Financial Aid for Essentials of HR Management page.

Essentials of Human Resources Faculty

Instructors for this program have a range of expertise, specializations and work experience. Read about their qualifications on our Essentials of Human Resources Faculty page.

Essentials of Human Resources Career Options

Read more on the Essentials of Human Resources Career Options page.

Find out more about Northwestern's Essentials of Human Resources

Contact Enrollment Advising

The Enrollment Advising Team at Northwestern University School of Professional Studies can be a resource to you for inquiries regarding our certificate programs.

Core Courses Essentials of Human Resources

Core Courses:Course Detail
Essentials of Human Resources <> SHRM 201-0

The SHRM Essentials of Human Resources course is 18 hours.

Throughout this course, you will develop the following HR critical competencies:

  • Identify areas where and how HR should be a strategic partner to your organization.
  • Build your knowledge of HR practices, behaviors and activities.
  • Apply newly learned HR knowledge to practical activities, similar to those required on the job.
  • Plan for ways to transfer the knowledge and skills learned from training to on-the-job tasks.
  • Explore career opportunities within the world of HR and how you can drive your future.

Registered students can access their online course site here. An activated NetID and password is required for login. *Please note: It may take up to 24 hours for registered students to be added to the online course platform.


View SHRM 201-0 Sections
SHRM Certified Professional SHRM 301-0

This is an exciting and pivotal time in the HR profession. Now, more than ever, HR teams are required to assume a greater leadership role, contributing to the strategic direction of their organization.

The SHRM Learning System for SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP includes four modules covering the comprehensive SHRM BASK so you'll learn everything you need for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP exam.

This class is the same for students interested in either the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. The difference is based on your experience and which test you take, as determined by SHRM rules. See the Eligibility Requirements Matrix on our SHRM webpage. Northwestern University does not administer the test or make the eligibility determination.


Registered students can access their online course site here. An activated NetID and password is required for login. *Please note: It may take up to 24-hours for registered students to be added to the online course platform.



View SHRM 301-0 Sections
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